Springfield, MA

Senior Dogs for Adoption in Springfield, MA: 10 Older Dogs Looking for a Home

Senior Dogs up for adoption near Springfield, MA

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Springfield have 10 senior dogs up for adoption. Here are all 10, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Senior dogs are often the gentlest companions and the slowest to find homes. Many arrive at rescues after their owner died or moved into care, and they deserve a comfortable home for their golden years.

1. Moxie

Senior (9 years 3 months) · Male · Bichon Frise / Terrier / Mixed (long coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Moxie!

A sweet nine-year-old Bichon Frise/Terrier mix currently in Granite Bay, CA, whose fluffy white coat, playful spirit, and affectionate personality make him a delightful little companion.

Weighing around 13 pounds, Moxie is a charming senior gentleman who knows how to appreciate life's simple pleasures. His favorite activities include leisurely walks, delicious meals, and soaking up all the pets and affection his favorite people can offer. When someone he loves walks through the door, his excitement is absolutely contagious! This little guy has a wonderful way of making everyday reunions feel like special occasions.

Read more about Moxie

Moxie enjoys a comfortable routine with morning and evening walks, regular meals, and plenty of opportunities for companionship. He's also perfectly content relaxing alone for short periods. While he takes his doorbell duties seriously and may announce visitors with a bark, he settles once he recognizes who's arrived.

This clever boy knows sit, stay, and lie down. Moxie has previously shared his space with a feline friend and is comfortable around cats. He's selective about canine companions, and his compatibility with children is unknown.

Moxie is neutered, microchipped, house-trained, and current on vaccinations. He has undergone knee and back surgeries and has a history of joint discomfort, but currently has no mobility concerns. He's carrying some extra weight and follows a prescription weight management diet. Regular grooming, dental chews, and gentle exercise help support his well-being.

Moxie can be protective around food and has occasionally nipped when uncomfortable with a visitor, so a family who respects his boundaries and practices positive reinforcement would be appreciated.

Above all, Moxie needs a loving family who will enjoy walks, playtime, and sharing affection with this endearing little fellow. He has so much personality packed into his small frame! Please note that we are currently accepting adoption applications from families located on the West Coast only. Could this lovable, fluffy gentleman be the walking buddy and affectionate companion you've been hoping to welcome into your life? To learn more about adopting Moxie, contact adopt@joyfulpets.com.

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • Good with dogs
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Moxie fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Oct 30Courtesy listing: Moxie's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

2. Maple

Senior (10 years 11 months) · Female · Golden Retriever / Shepherd / Mixed (medium coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Maple!

A gentle Golden Retriever mix currently in Princeton, NJ, who is almost twelve years old, whose warm golden coat, soulful eyes, and quietly affectionate nature make her a lovely companion for a peaceful new chapter.

Maple is a sweet senior girl who has perfected the art of enjoying life at an unhurried pace! Her favorite agenda is simple: find a comfortable bed, soak up a patch of indoor sunshine, enjoy a tasty snack, and spend time near her favorite people. Toys have never been particularly exciting to her, but mention peanut butter and suddenly you have her full attention!

Read more about Maple

At about 60 pounds, Maple is an affectionate companion who loves being close to her people. She is not looking to climb into your lap. She is more of a settle-by-your-feet kind of girl, happiest knowing her favorite person is nearby. She knows several cues, including sit, paw, touch, and come, is house-trained, and handles time alone well.

Maple appreciates familiar routines, comfortable places to rest, short outdoor breaks, leisurely walks, and opportunities to relax indoors. Her easygoing approach to daily life makes afternoons together especially enjoyable.

Maple is looking for a calm, caring environment where she can be the only pet and live without children. She has shown reactivity toward dogs, including a serious altercation with another dog, so her future family should be committed to thoughtful management, positive reinforcement, and behavior support. Because Maple has previously escaped over a lower fence, secure physical fencing at least six feet high is recommended to help keep her safely contained. An experienced pet parent would help her navigate walks and daily life safely and confidently.

Maple’s recent routine bloodwork was within normal limits. Her medical history includes successfully treated heartworm, removal of a low-grade mast cell tumor in 2024, and arthritis. She takes medication for anxiety, which has been working well for her, as well as medication for urinary incontinence, which is currently well managed. She is spayed, microchipped, and current on vaccinations.

Maple brings companionship, tail wags, soft-eyed affection, sunny lounging sessions, and the quiet pleasure of sharing life with a dog who appreciates the cozy things! Could Maple be the sweet, snack-loving companion you’ve been hoping to welcome into your family? To learn more about adopting Maple, contact adopt@joyfulpets.com.

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • House-trained
Adopt Maple fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Sep 28Courtesy listing: Maple's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

3. Zep

Senior (8 years 7 months) · Male · Boxer / Bulldog / Mixed (short coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Zep!

A laid-back Boxer/Bulldog mix estimated to be between six to eight years old currently in Sneads Ferry, NC, whose gentle spirit comes wrapped in a handsome dark brown brindle coat with white accents.

At 65 pounds, Zep is a big, kindhearted boy who has perfected the art of enjoying life’s simple pleasures! Give him sunshine, soft grass beneath his belly, a breeze to sniff, and a comfortable place to nap, and he is one happy fellow. He loves lounging outdoors so much that you might wonder whether there is a little lizard hiding inside this porch dog!

Read more about Zep

Zep is extremely friendly with people and happily greets neighbors, delivery drivers, and their treats and affection. He is also friendly with other dogs and enjoys visits and gentle playtime. He has shown no prey drive or reaction to cats, although his direct experience with them is limited. Calm, respectful children are welcome friends, too!

When Zep feels playful, he enjoys rolling in the grass and chasing a ball or Frisbee for a few rounds before heading straight for a long, refreshing drink. He even carries his own toy home afterward! His preferred adventures are short strolls where he can sniff around at his own pace.

Zep has some mobility limitations and urinary incontinence that his veterinarian believes may be related to Ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne condition. X-rays have also shown significant wear in his hips and back end, making stairs and long walks uncomfortable. He is happiest with short, easy strolls and convenient access to a yard where he can relax and take bathroom breaks throughout the day. Because Zep can have difficulty controlling when he needs to go, his new family should be comfortable with occasional indoor accidents and frequent opportunities to head outside. A single-story home with a yard would suit his slower pace beautifully, and his new family can also talk with their veterinarian about options for helping manage his incontinence.

He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, comfortable spending time alone, and knows sit, come, no, and stop. Long car rides are not his favorite and can upset his stomach.

Mostly, Zep asks for something wonderfully uncomplicated: sunshine, grass, companionship, patience, and room to enjoy life at his mellow pace. Could this sweet, porch-loving companion be the one you've hoping to welcome into your family? Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more about Zep!

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • Special needs
Adopt Zep fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Sep 28Courtesy listing: Zep's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

4. Oreo

Senior (11 years) · Male · Terrier / Pointer / Mixed (medium coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Oreo!

A spirited eleven-year-old Terrier mix currently in Madison Heights, MI, whose affectionate personality shines through his black-and-white coat and puppy-like enthusiasm for life.

Read more about Oreo

At about 30 pounds, Oreo is a medium-sized boy with a love for companionship. He enjoys exploring, being petted, curling up close, and giving kisses to people he trusts! Though he is a senior, nobody seems to have told Oreo. He still approaches his days with playful energy and enjoys both yard time and walks. He is house-trained, neutered, vaccinated, knows “sit,” comes when called, and is a smart fellow who could benefit from positive reinforcement as he works on leash skills.

Oreo has a strong prey drive and loves to chase squirrels and other small animals, so he needs a securely fenced yard where he can safely explore and enjoy his outdoor time. A home without cats is important, as he will chase them. When it comes to dogs, Oreo can be selective and may bark at them while out on walks, but he previously lived peacefully alongside a Shih-Tzu for two years. While the two were more content roommates than close buddies, their easy coexistence shows that Oreo may be compatible with a calm dog after thoughtful introductions. Regular walks will also give this energetic senior another way to satisfy his curiosity and love of exploring.

An adult home without young children is the right fit for Oreo. While he may enjoy giving kisses and being near children, loud noise can prompt him to walk away, and he is possessive around high-value food. He may eat quickly, hover over food, bark, or snap when uncomfortable, so meals should be managed carefully. An experienced pet parent who can provide structure, supervision, and respectful behavior support will help him thrive.

Oreo is relaxed when left alone for short periods, though fireworks and storms make him anxious. He sheds a bit and benefits from grooming every two to three weeks. He has lost a few teeth and previously experienced an ACL joint problem, but his veterinarian found that muscle had healed around the joint and advised against surgery. He remains active with no other reported health concerns.

Oreo is ready for a next chapter filled with cuddles, exploration, and companionship! Could this clever, kiss-giving senior be the joyful companion you have been waiting to welcome home? To learn more about adopting Oreo, contact adopt@joyfulpets.com.

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Oreo fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Sep 15Courtesy listing: Oreo's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

5. Mochi

Senior (9 years 9 months) · Male · Golden Retriever (long coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Mochi!

A spirited nine-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever currently in Monson, MA, whose essence is an athletic burst of enthusiasm wrapped in a lightly golden coat and powered by an enormous love for his people.

At 75 pounds, Mochi is a loyal, affectionate boy who believes life is better when there is something fun on the agenda. Fetch? Absolutely! Swimming? He is ready! Running, retrieving balls, and hopping into the car for an adventure? Count him in! Mochi is in very good shape for his age and still approaches activity with impressive enthusiasm. After the fun, he is also happy to relax at home alongside his favorite people.

Read more about Mochi

Smart and eager to learn, Mochi has received formal obedience training and knows his basic commands, plus the crowd-pleasing roll over. He is house-trained, neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations. He receives a daily joint supplement, and green beans are added to his meals to help with weight management. This enthusiastic foodie LOVES eating, perhaps even more than swimming!

Food also requires thoughtful management. Mochi has a longstanding pattern of resource guarding and has bitten two family members when they attempted to take food away. The bites did not require medical care. His trigger is consistent, so he needs caregivers who will keep food secured, maintain a tidy environment, and use established management strategies and positive reinforcement. His current guardian can share approaches that have worked successfully for years.

Mochi is suitable for a family without young children and would do well with respectful, school-age children and adults. He lives peacefully with a cat but is selective with dogs, particularly larger, assertive males, so he should not regularly share space with another strong-personality dog. A securely fenced yard will give this athlete room to enjoy himself safely.

Mochi also has a strong reaction to animals on television. Seeing them on screen can get him very worked up, so the simplest solution is to have him leave the room when animals appear. It is another one of Mochi’s particular sensitivities that his new family will want to understand and accommodate.

For a thoughtful, active family prepared to manage his food boundaries, Mochi offers tremendous loyalty, companionship, laughter, and adventure. Could Mochi be the golden adventure buddy you have been waiting to meet? To learn more about adopting Mochi, contact adopt@joyfulpets.com!

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Mochi fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Aug 28Courtesy listing: Mochi's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

6. Bunny

Senior · Female · Labrador Retriever / Mixed · 9 mi from Springfield

To adopt please fill out an adoption application.
Bunny is a 7yo female Labrador retriever being rehomed by her owner who can no longer keep her. Bunny is incredibly sweet and affectionate with her family. She has a playful personality but is also content to relax and cuddle. Her family reports that, before they adopted Bunny in 2020, she was abused by a man, so she’s timid around unfamiliar men. She typically hides or avoids new people at first. However, with patience and gentle introductions, she warms up well. No known history with small children, so she’s not recommended for children due to her timid nature.

Read more about Bunny

Not recommended for cats. Bunny was involved in an altercation with another household dog and that’s why she’s being rehomed. Bunny gets along well with large dogs but she doesn’t get along well with small dogs. Knows basic commands. Housebroken but never crated because she doesn’t need to be. Good on a leash, rides great in the car. Healthy and fully vetted, current on shots. Weighs about 65 pounds. Sweet, loving senior Labrador retriever will make a loving companion for a family with a quiet home without kids/pets who loves the breed and is willing to give a shy dog time to adjust
To adopt please fill out an adoption application.Contact us at reply@gooddogrescue.com
visit us at Good Dog Rescue

  • No young kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Bunny fromGood Dog RescueEnfield, CT · listed Jul 12

7. Nutmeg

Senior (11 years 2 months) · Female · Jack Russell Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Nutmeg!

An eleven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/American Pitbull Terrier mix currently in Chicago, IL, whose essence is a bright spark of devotion wrapped in a charming white coat with fawn patches and spots.

At around 30 pounds, this senior girl brings together the curiosity of a terrier, the loyalty of a devoted companion, and a heart that truly shines when she is close to her favorite people. Nutmeg is the kind of dog who would happily spend part of her day curled up beside you for cuddles and the other part exploring the world on a long walk, hike, or sunny outdoor adventure!

Read more about Nutmeg

Nutmeg is wonderfully intelligent and highly treat-motivated, making training one of her favorite activities. She already knows an impressive list of commands, including sit, stay, place, bed, leave it, down, spin, wait, and house! She enjoys learning, responds beautifully to positive reinforcement, and takes pride in showing off her skills. She is also crate-trained, house-trained, microchipped, spayed, and up to date on her vaccinations.

One of Nutmeg’s most delightful quirks is her love of balls, puzzles, and showing off her impressive jumping ability. She also enjoys car rides, sunbathing, and keeping a close eye on whatever her people are doing. Her affectionate nature makes her a constant companion who thrives on connection and routine.

Nutmeg is looking for a quiet, experienced, adult-only home where she can continue building confidence and enjoying a predictable lifestyle. She needs to be the only pet in the home and cannot live with children or have regular child visitors. Past traumatic experiences, including a period of neglect and attacks by other dogs, contributed to resource guarding and defensive reactivity around other dogs and children. While she has made tremendous progress through extensive training and behavior support, she still requires thoughtful management and an adopter who understands canine body language and positive reinforcement techniques.

Nutmeg has never bitten another dog, but she has displayed defensive reactions around children and recently had two unusual human-related incidents, including a leash lunge toward a child and a nip to an adult family member's hand during a stressful moment. She immediately disengaged afterward, and these incidents occurred during a period of significant household change that increased her anxiety. Nutmeg currently receives daily medication to help manage anxiety and thrives with structure, routine, and clear expectations.

In the right caring environment, Nutmeg offers loyalty, laughter, companionship, and countless cozy moments on the couch. She needs a patient family who will appreciate her intelligence, honor her boundaries, and celebrate all the wonderful qualities that make her unique.

Could Nutmeg be the loyal adventure buddy and cuddle partner you have been searching for? To learn more about adopting Nutmeg, please contact adopt@joyfulpets.com!

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • No young kids
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Nutmeg fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed Jun 22Courtesy listing: Nutmeg's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

9. Simba

Senior (8 years 6 months) · Male · Boxer (short coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Simba!

A goofy eight-year-old Boxer currently in Bellingham, MA, whose essence is a joyful whirlwind wrapped in a handsome brown brindle coat with white accents. Simba is the kind of boy who treats every moment like a delightful mystery, whether it is a rolling toy or a funny sound across the room! He is wonderfully food motivated, making snack time his favorite event and a great opportunity for positive reinforcement and learning. Simba is now looking for a new loving home after his devoted pet parent passed away.

Read more about Simba

Despite his large 97 pound frame, Simba is convinced he is a lap dog and happily leans into his people for cuddles, often forgetting all about personal space. He sleeps peacefully when left alone, enjoys chew toys, and lights up for walks and car rides! Simba is very friendly with other dogs and has shared his life with a canine companion (Sophie), bringing playful and easygoing energy into the mix. He has not spent time with cats yet, but his gentle, social nature suggests he may be open to new friendships with a thoughtful introduction.

With children, Simba is affectionate and patient, though his enthusiasm can be a bit bouncy for smaller kids, so guidance and supervision help everyone feel comfortable. He can be a little timid in new situations and may pause before warming up to unfamiliar people, but once he feels secure, his sweet and content personality shines.

Simba benefits from a routine with smaller, more frequent meals to support his sensitive tummy and occasionally requires a special diet. He has received care for hip discomfort after overexertion and has a few harmless skin bumps.

Simba has lived successfully with his sister Sophie for many years and could either be adopted alongside her or thrive as an only dog in the right home.

This lovable goofball thrives in a calm, confident home where his family understands Boxer charm, slobbery kisses, and his constant desire to be close. He would be compatible with a household where someone is around often, ready for companionship and cuddles!

Could Simba be the cheerful companion your family has been waiting for? To learn more or adopt, please contact adopt@joyfulpets.com.

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Simba fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed May 15Courtesy listing: Simba's family is rehoming him through this rescue.

10. Sophie

Senior (9 years) · Female · Staffordshire Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier / Mixed (short coat) · 19 mi from Springfield

Meet Sophie!

A spirited eight-and-a-half-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix currently in Bellingham, MA, whose essence is a vibrant burst of joy wrapped in a striking brown brindle coat with white accents. She is an energetic, affectionate girl who can keep up with younger dogs during playtime and then happily settle in for close cuddles, always leaning in as near as possible to her favorite people. After the passing of her beloved pet parent, she is now looking for a new loving home where she can continue sharing that same warmth and companionship.

Read more about Sophie

Sophie thrives on connection and is constantly seeking her humans for praise, learning opportunities, and shared moments, showing just how smart and eager she is to grow through positive reinforcement. She knows a variety of commands like come, sit, lie down, stay, paw, speak, and home, and she would love to continue building her skills with a patient caregiver who can give her the structure she enjoys. With her love of running, endless games of catch, long walks, and even watching television, Sophie brings a delightful mix of activity and charm to each day!

She is friendly on walks and genuinely enjoys meeting new people and dogs out in the world, often greeting them with curiosity and enthusiasm. At home, however, Sophie is very aware of her surroundings and takes her role as a watchful companion seriously. She can become vocal when people or animals pass by, as she likes to let her family know what is happening in her space. With guidance, consistency, and positive reinforcement, she is learning how to relax and feel more at ease when these moments occur.

Sophie is compatible with respectful dogs who are comfortable with her confident personality, and she needs a home without small animals so she can focus on her favorite terrier style adventures. She has also shown some food-related tension with another dog when they approach her meals, so thoughtful feeding routines and clear boundaries will help her feel comfortable and secure. She may be a wonderful companion for children, especially with guidance that encourages calm and gentle interactions. Storms and fireworks can make her uneasy, so she will appreciate a caring environment that helps her feel safe during those times.

Sophie has lived successfully with her brother Simba for many years and could either be adopted alongside him or thrive separately in the right environment.

Sophie's soulful eye contact has a way of melting hearts, and her constant companionship makes every moment feel shared and meaningful. She is ready to find a new loving home that can match her energy, nurture her intelligence, and enjoy both her playful spirit and her affectionate closeness. If you are looking for a loyal companion who wants to stay by your side, learn new things, and share in both adventure and quiet cuddles, Sophie is eager to meet you! Contact adopt@joyfulpets.com to begin, is Sophie your match?

Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with dogs
  • No cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Sophie fromJoyful Pets Animal RescueAmherst, MA · listed May 15Courtesy listing: Sophie's family is rehoming her through this rescue.

Adopting a senior dog in Springfield

Older dogs are usually calm, affectionate and happy with shorter walks, which makes them a good match for older adults and first-time dog owners.

Ask the rescue about the dog's health and vet history. Many rescues charge less to adopt a senior dog.

Many small dogs live to 15 or older, so a senior dog can still be part of your family for years.

Rescues with senior dogs near Springfield

Questions about adopting senior dogs in Springfield

How many senior dogs are up for adoption in Springfield?

As of November 4, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Springfield, Massachusetts, have 10 senior dogs up for adoption. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a senior dog in Springfield?

The rescues with the most senior dogs near Springfield right now are Joyful Pets Animal Rescue (Amherst, MA) and Good Dog Rescue (Enfield, CT). Each dog above has the rescue's phone number and website.

How old is a senior dog?

It depends on their size. Large and giant breeds are usually counted as seniors from about seven years old, and small dogs from about ten. Many small dogs live to 15 or older, so an older dog can still have plenty of years ahead.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a dog may have been adopted since this page was updated.